Itchy eyes? A nagging cough?
If you've been suffering from sniffles that won't go away, it could be that mould, not the common cold virus, is to blame.
Along with being unsightly, household mould can contribute to health problems. Although most people don't feel the adverse affects of mould, numerous medical studies have linked household mould to increased asthma attacks. People with asthma and allergies are more sensitive to it, and can also suffer from other disorders, from nasal congestion to breathing problems.
Joel Mayor, the general manager of Saniservice in the UAE, says mould spores can grow just about anywhere that's moist, and air conditioning ducts provide the perfect environment.
"The consequences of being exposed to mould and specifically their airborne spores usually triggers simple allergies such as rhinitis and sinusitis but, as well, more serious illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome. It causes symptoms such as headaches, nausea, runny nose, watery eyes and coughs. Subsequently, mould is also a common trigger for asthma, which is one of the leading health risks for all residents of the Gulf."
When you see mould, don't simply wipe it away - look for the source. Among the myriad problems could be a leak, bad insulation or a clogged air-conditioner drainage tray. "Always look for the source of humidity; this is the golden rule and it will determine the severity of the case."
Until the problem is sorted, the mould will remain. "As the air-conditioning system is often the source of the problem, people should get an inspection ASAP."
Mould can signal impending disaster at villas or apartments and should always be monitored. "The mould will attack all organic matter," Mayor says, and can easily ruin furniture, clothes, books and walls.
Ceiling mould is often an indicator that the pipes above are water-saturated. "In that case the ceiling will have to be replaced."
Unfortunately, building managers often prefer to mask the problem. "I have seen houses in very bad condition that were painted just before a new tenant moved in. Obviously, painting over contaminated walls doesn't solve anything; it's even worse and makes the problem bigger, as the air will be contaminated with no visible signs of contamination."
Saniservice uses an eco-friendly bio-sanitiser that doesn't trigger allergies so people can re-enter their home straight after a treatment.
Online sources suggest tackling mould by wiping small problem areas with a mild detergent solution. Once dried, spray with a bleach solution, then wipe with a soft sponge until it is gone. Once that has dried, wipe again with a borate-based detergent, which can help stop new mould growth.
It is important during cleaning to close off all vents so the spores cannot spread. Goggles and a face mask are recommended.
But Mayor warns against tackling even small mould problems without professional guidance. "I wouldn't advise anybody to start their own cleaning of mould due to the health hazard."
What people can do is take preventative measures. Open windows and doors to increase air flow. You can also improve air circulation by keeping large objects about 10 centimetres away from the inside of exterior walls. And always use fans in rooms where water is frequently used - the kitchen, bathroom and laundry area.
Liverpool 4-1 Shrewsbury
Liverpool
Gordon (34'), Fabinho (44' pen, 90' 3), Firmino (78')
Shrewsbury
Udoh (27'minutes)
Man of the Match: Kaide Gordon (Liverpool)
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
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